WTA announces departure of Stacey Allaster

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced that long-term Chair and Chief Executive Stacey Allaster is to leave the organisation as of Friday 2nd October.

Allaster joined the WTA in January 2006 as its President and in July 2009 was promoted to her current role.

Named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 'Most Powerful Women in Sports', she has led the WTA through significant growth, marked by fan-friendly improvements to the game, innovative use of data and technology, a focus on global growth with Asia Pacific being the strategic priority, enhancing the health and well-being of the athletes, while also championing gender equality.

Under her leadership, the WTA secured US$1 billion in diversified contracted revenues, including a landmark international media agreement that will maximize fan exposure to women's tennis as the game is broadcast around the world. She also oversaw a record-setting WTA Finals in Istanbul and secured a strategic partnership with Singapore to stage the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global from 2014 to 2018. The WTA Finals Singapore is the largest financial partnership ever negotiated in the history of the WTA's season finale.

Commenting on her departure, Allaster stated "it's been a privilege to lead the organisation that Billie Jean King founded and to have worked with the world's best female athletes, dedicated tournament promoters and passionate and professional WTA team members.

"For 25 years I have dedicated my professional life to the sport and I'm proud of the work I leave behind.

"But the recent loss of my brother-in-law and the ATP's CEO, Brad Drewett, has provided a personal wake-up call about life, family and priorities and it is time for me to shift some time and energy that way. When I joined the WTA my goal was to leave the organsation on a stronger footing and I feel a humble sense of pride in what we have all accomplished here. I have focused on what it means to be a champion and I have tried to be a strong role model for women to encourage success in the sports industry."

Commenting on her departure, WTA founder Billie Jean King stated "Stacey has been a visionary leader for tennis this past decade.

"She brought positive fundamental change while serving as an exemplary role model, and she executed our biggest and best financial strategies during a very difficult economy.

"Stacey performed her job with tenacity and heart which is what is required for transformational change."

Allaster has been an advocate for women and was instrumental in securing equal prize money for women tennis players at six WTA events and all four Grand Slams. She also played an integral role in the development of the Roadmap, the WTA's long-term plan that streamlined the calendar to enhance the overall health of the players while delivering top players on a more consistent basis to fans and tournaments. Since the introduction of the Roadmap, prize money has increased 100%.

WTA Board Member Lisa Grattan concluded "Stacey has been an outstanding leader for the WTA and she will be missed throughout the industry," said WTA Board Member Lisa Grattan. "We will turn our attention now to the future and we are confident her successor will deliver for fans, tournaments, and partners in the outstanding manner that they have come to expect."

The WTA is currently recruiting a successor for Allaster. 

Lower image shows Stacey Allaster (centre) at the Qatar WTA Open.

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